USDA Forest Service · Colorado
Amphitheater (Co)
USDA Forest Service · Colorado, United States
- Sites
- 35
- Hookups
- 35 no hookups
- Season
- May 31 to September 30
- Max RV length
- 35 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 8,471 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- Verizon weak · T-Mobile good · AT&T good (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- AMPHITHEATER CG (NFSR 855.2A) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
- Nearest town
- OURAY
- Address
- OURAY, CO, 81427
- Phone
- 928-537-8888
- Activities
- Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Mountain Biking, Wildlife Viewing
35 numbered sites are mapped one by one - the site map below shows each with its facts and pictures.
Site map
35 numbered sites are mapped one by one on the imagery, with the operator's own facts and pictures for each site where it publishes them. Tap a site to rate it, keep a note and add your own photos; press and hold the map for a pin of your own. Your ratings, notes, pins and photos are kept with the campground on your Saved list, the same list the camping map and the drive page keep.
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About
Overview
Amphitheater Campground is located near the town of Ouray, Colo., at an elevation of 8,400 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its beautiful scenery and great hiking and off-road trail opportunities.
Recreation
Many hiking trails are found in the immediate area, including the popular Upper Cascade Falls Trail, which begins at the campground. Baby Bath Tubs and Chief Ouray Mine trails can also be accessed from the same trailhead.
The campground is a favorite among jeep and off-road enthusiasts for its close proximity to a number of exciting trails in the surrounding area.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites, several of which are designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided.
Natural Features
The campground is named for the natural rock amphitheater that stands over Ouray. The massive gray cliffs were created by ancient volcanic and glacial activity. The campground is situated on the mountainside above Ouray, with stellar views of the amphitheater. A forest of Gambel oak trees and mixed conifers covers the area.
Nearby Attractions
Ouray is known as America's Switzerland. The charming, historic, mountain town offers a variety of dining, shopping and lodging options, as well as a hot springs pool and a variety of annual festivals.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 35° | 15° | -7° | 48° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 36° | 16° | -5° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 20° | 8° | 62° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 48° | 28° | 9° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 57° | 33° | 15° | 66° | 7 of 11 |
| June | 72° | 44° | 34° | 83° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 77° | 52° | 42° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 74° | 50° | 43° | 81° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 68° | 45° | 33° | 79° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 57° | 36° | 4° | 68° | 5 of 10 |
| November | 48° | 28° | -9° | 60° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 39° | 12° | -10° | 52° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Trails nearby
- American Flats · 5.3 mi as the crow flies
Horsethief Trail 3.4 mi Hike · Drive there - Denver Pass Trailhead · 6.8 mi as the crow flies · Drive there
- American Basin Trailhead · 9.1 mi as the crow flies
American Basin to Grouse Gulch 3.0 mi Hike · Drive there
All 762 trails in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests · All 2,359 trails in BLM lands in Colorado
Trailheads the Park Service and the Forest Service map, within 10 miles as the crow flies; each trail's page has its length, climbing and the Service's description.
Nearby campgrounds
- Angel Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi
- Thistledown Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi
- Telluride Town Park Campground · City, County & Regional Parks · 10 mi · 28 sites
- Mary E Campground · USDA Forest Service · 14 mi
- Ridgway State Park · Colorado State Parks · 14 mi · 278 sites
All public campgrounds in Colorado · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-07-07. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.